5 Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Groomer

Taking a dog to a groomer who would prefer to stay at home is not an appealing option for many dog owners. The fear and apprehension may even keep owners from taking their dogs to their regular dog grooming.

However, the health benefits of grooming thoroughly outweigh the discomfort it may mean to take them to the groomer. Every dog will react differently depending on their personality and the circumstances that surround their visit.

Owners can use the following tips to help their dog (and themselves) feel more relaxed when on the road and at the groomer.

Start Dog Grooming at Home

Giving a dog a bath and checking their ears are basic home grooming techniques that get a dog used to having people handle them in certain ways. Some owners are nervous to give their dogs a bath. This is because of the potential safety hazards or they fear they’ll dry out their dog’s skin. The truth is that dogs are very resilient to water and shampoo, and they can be trained to take baths with the right combination of training and rewards.

Don’t Wait to Groom Your Dog

Owners who wait until their dog’s fur is matted or their nails are so long they can barely walk may not only have to pay for a longer grooming session. However, they also run the risk the dog will be upset by the additional work it takes to finish the job. In addition, owners should know the dog’s main fears before taking them in. For example, if they don’t like having their paws touched, owners can work on desensitization techniques. This is so the dog is used to human hands touching their paws.

Know What You Want

Groomers will get more done when they have a clear list of what needs to be done. Every dog owner is going to have their own priorities so make sure they’re clear before coming in. If an owner only wants a quick nail trim and a shampoo, then they need to make this clear to the groomer (otherwise the dog may get a hair trim as well.) For owners who have a specific ‘look’ they want for their dog, it helps to have a picture to show the groomer.

Consult with the Dog Groomer

Groomers typically have formal training as well as a wealth of experience with different breeds and grooming techniques. They can tell owners more about how grooming works to protect their dog from painful conditions. Conditions such as mange or chronic muscle pain. For example, if the dog’s nails aren’t trimmed on a regular basis, they may develop poor posture. This may eventually lead to dog back or hip pain.

Stay Calm

One of the worst things a groomer can see from their clients is an owner who clearly feels nervous or terrible that they’re putting their dog through a traumatic experience. The dog will immediately sense the fear emanating from their owner and will only react in turn. Owners should do what they need to do to stay calm. The owners should try breathing exercises or letting a friend or family member take over the job.

Most owners love a recently groomed dog. However, they dread the idea of forcing them in the car and dropping them off. Thankfully, the effort it takes to prepare them is worth the rewards. Using these tips can make it easier to ensure everyone is prepared for regular trips to the groomer.

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